It didn't help that the ******* we bought the truck from said it had 85,000 miles and a couple months after we bought it we found in the dash wiring an old lube sticker showing it had about 185,000 miles. So far this is what I've done myself:  Rebuilt transmission, replaced clutch, replaced front and rear engine oil seal, replaced coil, replaced muffler, replaced rear axle bearings and seals, rear brakes and cylinders. The things I've done so far that were planned was to put in a roll cage, install 6.5 gears, and a rear locker. It has 32" tires so the 6.5 gears really made a huge difference in drivability.  Have never taken it to a shop and don't ever plan to. One nice thing about the Samurai is that it is a rather simple vehicle to work on even with limited mechanical experience.

I'm hoping one day to get most of the noises figured out and fixed. It has fewer sounds now but still sounds like hell.  Currently it sounds like the bolts holding the drive shafts are loose. Not being a mechanic, it is hard at times to tell exactly what is normal and abnormal play. There is a very small amount of play in the universal joints. Not sure if that can cause the rattle racket that sounds like the drive shafts are loose? I think I will go ahead and replace them and see what happens. Guessing they can't be too expensive.

Since buying the Samurai I've purchased a 12 ton press and welder from Harbor Freight. Surprisingly, both have worked quite well despite the ridiculously low price. With the wrenching experience I'm getting with my Samurai I almost feel qualified to work at a repair shop now!

Glad to hear you love your rig

ive got sort of the same story. but i accually am working at a repair shop!
been into cars for the past 10 years, been tickering with em the whole time. rebuilding parts, doing matenance, etc

got a job working a shop doing what ive been doing for the past 10 years in my spare time between school and home, plus expanding on previous stuff i was learning years ago. getting back into welding, using machining tools, etc.
litterally had a minute job interview, listed the last 4-5 vehicles ive owned and the couple others ive worked on and was hired.
could challange some of the technician exams to get certified if i wanted. just with what ive done in my spare time.

oh and having to work on my back in a driveway the whole time made me appriciate a nice hoist so much more then some kid fresh out of college. heck, im probably the youngest guy around here that accually knows how to replace and adjust POINTS! yes, points... half the guys in the college courses dont know what they are... accually, half the mechanics and most DEALERS dont know what points are.

its amazing how easy it is to work on trucks so simple sometimes though, no 8 computers to check with your computer, no diagnostic codes to understand. simple.

Glad to hear you love your rig

I do like it but I've had some choice words for it at times such as when on my back trying to bench press the tranny into place, etc...

ive got sort of the same story. but i accually am working at a repair shop!......

Before the Samurai my wrenching experience was when I was still in high school and early college. That was some 25 years ago. I get a bit more sore now contorting under the car but in a warped kind of way I find it relaxing working on it. Takes my mind off of work and other things.